Arthur Douglas "Doug" Travis

Arthur Douglas “Doug” Travis, 91, of Springfield, Ill., formerly of Evansville, Ind., passed away May 10, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital due to complications from a 30-year struggle with COPD.

Born Aug. 20, 1934, to Arthur Clifton and Hazel Marguerite Travis (née Kimmel) in Drakesboro, Ky., he grew up in Chicago before moving to Evansville, where he graduated from Central High School in 1952.

Afterward, he traveled along Route 66 to Los Angeles, where he lived until being drafted into the U.S. Army, serving honorably in the Korean War. After returning to Evansville, he married his late wife, Phyllis (née Sharp), with whom he shared 54 years of marriage until she passed in 2018. As an adult, he became a Christian and joined the United Methodist Church, most recently attending Fletcher Chapel until his health no longer allowed. He was preceded in death by his sister, Norma, and his brother, Billy.

He is survived by his son, Rev. Ryan Douglas Travis of Springfield, Ill.; seven nieces and nephews; and a son, Paul, from a previous relationship, adopted in infancy and recently connected through a DNA ancestry website — along with Paul’s children and grandchildren.

Doug and Phyllis’s home was the gathering place on the block where all the teenagers hung out. Everyone was welcome at their dinner table. Together they opened their home to 11 international exchange students, two long- term foster children, and every stray animal that showed up on the back porch.

Doug worked at Alcoa Warrick Operations for 30 years, retiring in 1997, after which he bred field champion Labrador retrievers. He loved all dogs, and all dogs loved him. He leaves behind two Siberian huskies and an Australian shepherd: Ziggy, Moonshine and Annie.

Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, is assisting with arrangements. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 16, at 1 p.m., with visitation beginning at noon, at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 3465 N. MacArthur Road, Decatur, Ill., officiated by his son, Ryan.

Memorial contributions may be made to PAAWS No-Kill Animal Rescue or the Warrick Humane Society, both in Newburgh, Ind.